RAF Catterick facts for kids

Quick facts for kids RAF Catterick
Catterick, North Yorkshire in England
Spitfires of 331 Squadron at RAF Catterick in spring 1942
Vigilance and Knowledge
RAF Catterick Location in North Yorkshire
Coordinates	54°21′55″N 001°37′11″W / 54.36528°N 1.61972°W / 54.36528; -1.61972
Type	Royal Air Force station Sector Station 1939-
Code	AK
Site information
Owner	Ministry of Defence
Operator	Royal Flying Corps (1914–1918) British Army (1927–1939) Royal Air Force (1918–1927 and 1939–1994)
Controlled by	RAF Fighter Command * No. 13 Group RAF * RAF Regiment
Condition	Transferred to the British Army and became Marne Barracks.
Site history
Built	1914 (1914)
Built by	John Laing & Son Ltd
In use	1914–1994 (1994)
Fate	Closed
Battles/wars	European theatre of World War II Cold War
Airfield information
Elevation	53 metres (174 ft) AMSL
Runways Direction Length and surface 10/28 1,020 metres (3,346 ft) Concrete

RAF Catterick was a very important airfield for the Royal Air Force (RAF) in England. It was located near Catterick, North Yorkshire, right next to the A6055 road.

Even though it started as a place for planes to fly, RAF Catterick later became the main training base for the RAF Regiment for almost 50 years. The station closed in 1994. After that, it was given to the British Army and is now known as Marne Barracks. Today, it is home to the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery and 32 Engineer Regiment.

History of RAF Catterick

Early Days as an Airfield (1914-1946)

Catterick airfield first opened in 1914. It was used by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), which was the air force before the RAF. Its main jobs were to train pilots and help protect the North East of England.

In 1918, the RAF took over the airfield. It became home to No. 49 Training Depot Station, where many pilots learned to fly.

A map from 1919 showing Catterick as a "civil station" for civilian flying.

For a short time in 1927, the British Army managed the airfield. This was part of the RAF Army Cooperation Command, which provided air support to the army. But in 1939, the RAF took control again.

During the Second World War, Catterick also used a smaller, nearby airfield called RAF Scorton.

After the Second World War, Catterick's role changed. Its runway was not long enough for the new Jet Age aircraft. This was because the A1 and the River Swale were too close. So, from 1946 until 1994, Catterick became the main base for the RAF Regiment.

RAF Flying Squadrons at Catterick

Many different RAF squadrons were based at Catterick over the years. These squadrons flew various types of aircraft, including the Hawker Hurricane. They played a key role in defending the country and training new pilots.

Some of the squadrons that called Catterick home included:

• No. 17 Squadron RAF
• No. 26 Squadron RAF
• No. 41 Squadron RAF
• No. 54 Squadron RAF
• No. 64 Squadron RAF
• No. 118 Squadron RAF
• No. 130 Squadron RAF
• No. 222 Squadron RAF
• No. 306 Polish Fighter Squadron
• No. 331 Squadron RAF
• No. 401 Squadron RAF
• No. 609 Squadron RAF

Home of the RAF Regiment (1946-1994)

RAF Catterick was the main base for the RAF Regiment between 1946 and 1994.

From 1946 to 1994, Catterick was the main training base for the RAF Regiment. This is a special part of the RAF that protects airfields and other RAF assets. During this time, many RAF Regiment squadrons were based here.

Catterick was also home to the RAF School of Fire Fighting until the 1990s. This school trained RAF firefighters. They had a special area where they would set old aircraft on fire to practice putting out blazes and rescuing people. For example, in 1983, two large Avro Vulcan bombers were used for these training exercises.

In the 1980s, Catterick had the largest collection of armoured vehicles in the UK for the British forces. These included FV101 Scorpion vehicles and FV103 Spartan armoured carriers. The base also trained soldiers on the Rapier air defence system. After the Falklands War, some captured Argentinian anti-aircraft cannons were even used here for training.

The RAF Regiment was very important to the local area. In 1971, they were given the "Freedom of Richmond, North Yorkshire". This was a special honour from the townspeople. Even though the Regiment is no longer at Catterick, they still celebrate this honour each year with a parade in Richmond.

Marne Barracks: A New Chapter

On June 30, 1994, RAF Catterick officially closed. The RAF Regiment training moved to RAF Honington. The site was then given to the British Army and renamed Marne Barracks. It is now part of the larger Catterick Garrison complex.

Marne Barracks has modern living areas for soldiers. It also has shops, a gym, and even a hairdresser. Some of the old RAF hangars have been changed into maintenance areas for the army's vehicles.

Motorsport at Catterick

For a few years, between 1958 and 1963, part of the airfield was used as a race track. It was known as Catterick Circuit and hosted various motorsport events.

See also

• List of former Royal Air Force stations